Information on Loughborough

Clutch head screws initiative at Charnwood beauty spot

Posted on 07/04/2009

Clutch head screws initiative at Charnwood beauty spot

The police in Charnwood are offering visitors to Bradgate Park a chance to protect their number plates by giving away special security screws designed to make life difficult for potential thieves.

Since Monday 1st December 2008 there have been 43 number plates reported stolen from cars across the Charnwood and Loughborough local policing areas. 

On Saturday 11th April 2009 between 10am and 1pm, police officers will be based in the Force ‘beat bus at the Old John Car Park of Bradgate Park offering visitors the chance to have their number plate screws on their car replaced with clutch head screws.  Clutch-head screws can be easily fitted with a screwdriver to replace existing screws, but are incredibly difficult to remove.

Sergeant Dave Ascough, from Syston Police Station, said; "Replacing standard screws with clutch-head screws is a great way to try to beat the thieves and reduce the motorists chances of becoming a victim of crime.

"We are seeing an increase in number plate thefts, so it is a good idea to take steps to protect your vehicle.  We are becoming more aware about protecting ourselves from identity theft online and in the way we dispose of our confidential paperwork.  Number plate theft is another way that thieves can steal your identity.  Stolen plates can be fitted to vehicles involved in crime, so it is vital any theft is reported to police immediately, because if you do not, you could run the risk of becoming falsely implicated in criminal activity.

"We have a large number of clutch-head screws to give away in different shapes and sizes to fit most models of cars, so if youre out for a walk at the weekend, why not pop along to the beat bus and let us replace your screws - they take minutes to attach, but could save a great deal of inconvenience.  If you prefer, we are only too happy to give you a set of screws free of charge to be fitted by your regular garage or mechanic."

Officers and Police Community Support Officers will also be available to discuss other crime prevention advice and theyll be giving away UV pens to postcode property.